First Aid Training

Contrary to popular belief, Belize is not as civilized as the media has many people thinking. It's not full of luscious jungle, beautiful beaches and romantic island get aways.  The government here is very primitive and very little here is "nationalized."  This is the case with the emergency system here in Guinea Grass.  Our church has and operates the only ambulance in the village.  We serve about 4,000 people, all free of charge.  Currently there is only one registered EMT living here in the village.

We were blessed last week to have four registered EMT's from Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, Canada with us.  Among them was a certified Red Cross/EMT who has been teaching First Aid for about 10 years. Over a 100 kids and teachers from the local schools were trained in First Aid/CPR in a week long class.  The evenings were opened up to working adults and teenagers interested in helping with the ambulance service. Working with the Orange Walk Red Cross office, we were able to certify over 36 people in First Aid/CPR.  Future First Responders classes are in the works to help further the medical response teams now created.

My roommates holding the Ambulance service banner for the local independence parade.  

Bought and maintained 100% by donations. 

Practicing on placing a victim in the recovery position.  

Demonstrating and practicing placing victims on a stretcher.

  

A little after class antics -- this group decided to try a group heimlich. 

Practicing CPR on dummies brought in by the Canadian EMT's. 

Three of the four EMT instructors demonstrating proper techniques for splinting broken legs or other lower body injuries.    

Some of our village teens practicing proper splinting using some pre-prepared splints brought in for the training.

Some of the students having a little fun with EMT instructor Donny Taylor. 

"Um, excuse me Sir, but I think this person is missing the rest of his body."

Bishop Tim Joiner practicing CPR. 

My roommates Korena and Chelsea being put through some simulated scenarios.  Here Korena demonstrates First Aid for an impaled object to the eye.   

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Thank you so much to the Canada group for the time, money and effort you put into helping make our community a safer and better one! We are forever indebted to you!!

Lamanai

I have been in Belize now three months and I've finally found time to do some tourist stuff! LOL  As many of you know, my life here is NEVER boring.   If there is anywhere in Belize I would recommend you see, Lamanai would be one of them.  Traveling by small motor boat, we rode 25 miles up the New River to reach the entrance of the protected reserve. Located on the banks of the New River Lagoon, we were greeted with a delicious spread of Belizean food. Trust me when I say that if there is anything that Belize knows how to do well, it’s cook BBQ chicken!  

Meaning, "submerged crocodile", the name Lamanai is mispronounced by most visitors and locals.  Historians believe that Lamanai was first settled about 3,00 years ago.  Most of the temples that have been excavated were built in what is known as the Pre-classic period (around 100 B.C.).   At it’s hight the population of the area we know as Lamanai was over a million strong.  Unlike other areas that were taken over my the Spanish conquistadors, this Mayan mecca was still populated when the first Spanish missionaries arrived.  Churches were quickly built by the invading foreigners, building over the current buildings, temples and tombs.  In the 1640’s the Mayan’s rebelled, burning down the missions and attempting to run off Spanish invaders.  

Between the British settlers and the outbreaks of imported diseases, the Mayan population was soon extinct.  In 1974 Canadian archeologist, David Pendegast of the Royal Ontario Museum began excavation of the current site. Money soon ran out, leaving only six buildings fully excavated.  The largest of the pyramids is N10-43 which raises 112 feet from the Jungle floor.  The steps of the temple is in excellent condition after some recent restoration and is open to climbing for all guests.

Waiting for the boat to pick us up we were greeted by the “welcoming party.”  There are many dogs here in Belize, sadly most of mistreated and often abused.  If there is anything I hate to see, that is a skinny and hungry dog. I wish I could adopt all the dogs here in Belize....makes me miss my two little boys at home all the more. 

While waiting for the boat to arrive, Damon McKillop and his sweet wife, Marcia, decided to take some "romantic" pictures.   Needless to say they got some teasing for this stunt.  

I have discovered there is no feeling like the wind in your face, the smell of the clean air around you as you ride up the river.  The journey was so peaceful I almost fell asleep on the ride up river. Sadly Damon McKillop made sure I stayed awake. LOL

This was actually a rare view from the river.  The few homes that dot the river bank are mostly poor, wood shacks with thatched roofs. 

Some of our party from Canada. They were a blast to go with and I miss all of them so much. 

(L to R: Arron, Jeremy Parrish, Sheryl Taylor, Donny Taylor, Damon McKillop)

Most locals travel the river in small home made canoes like this.  Fishing and boating is the main activity on the river since it does have crocodiles and isn't "swimming friendly."

The Spider Monkey Resort and conservation located a few miles up river.  The semi domesticated spider monkeys often come into the motor boats looking for food.  Our tour guide Eddie pulled the boat close to an overhanging branch.  Using some bananas he had brought we were able to lure a female spider monkey into our boat twice.   The second trip for her she crossed behind by back, jumping down next to me before walking down the middle of our boat to get her "prize."  Because she moved so quickly I wasn't able to get a good pictures of her. It was interesting to note that only the females will venture into the boats or near people, the males wait in the trees, the females bringing back any captured goods. 

This picture was quickly snapped over my shoulder as the female walked behind me.  

("Hang on my little Spider Monkey.")

  The typical meal here in Belize: red beans & rice, stewed or BBQ chicken, coleslaw, warm potato salad and fried plankton. There was ice water and cokes in the cooler. All the food was prepared by our tour guide, Eddie’s wife and was some of the best I’ve eaten. 

A replica of a Mayan hut that would have been the typical home.  This, along with other original pieces are located in the on-site museum. 

Some of the Mayan pottery that was excavated in the original 1970 dig.

Our tour guide, Eddie starting the "walking" part of our tour.  A former History teacher he was very well versed in both the site history as well as the cultural. 

The first of the six temple pyramids on the walking tour.  Known as P9-56 it was discovered that the current temple was built over a previous one that was erected five centuries before.

 The tallest pyramid temple at Lamanai, rising 112 feet in the air. Most of the group climbed to the top...I wisely choose not too as I KNEW that I would freak out trying to climb down.  I had planned on it but thought better of yet when I saw how steep the climb was. The view from the top I heard was amazing.  I did climb to the half way point....doesn't that count? :)

Some of the Canada group making the trek to the top.  All the ladies in our group made the brave climb up. Yes, I got teased but at least I was safely on the bottom and not clinging to one of the poor guys as he helped me down.  Don't think that would have been a nice image....at least for me it wouldn't have been. :)

Luptia got a hold of my camera and wouldn't give it back until I posed for a picture. This is the first proof I have that I'm ACTUALLY here. Yes, folks....I'm still alive! :)

Thank You

You give but little when you give of your possessions.  It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.  ~Kahlil Gibran

 I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to those who recently gave of their time in order to raise money for the work here in Belize.  Sis. Marcella Thomas who offered her wonderful talents in the kitchen cooking what I know was a fabulous meal. To those who gave of their time and money I can not thank you enough. Because of  your burden, over $700 US dollars were raised.  Due to the exchange rate this means that $1,400 Belize dollars was given to the work here in Guinea Grass.  This offering could not have come at a better time as the work here just purchased a much needed, small 22 passenger bus.  

Over the years I have seen members of Inland Lighthouse give of themselves no only in money but in time as well.  However, I have never been more proud to say that I'm from Rialto, California then I was giving that offering. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Hurricane Richard Update

As many of you now know, Belize was hit with a hurricane last night. Thankfully our small village was spared and we passed through with mild wind and rain. I know this was due to all the prayers that were sent up on our behalf.  While I don't have any clear reports right now I have heard that most of the damage was suffered along the coast, Belize City being hit hard.

In caution we opened up the church, which is a designated shelter here in Guinea Grass.  This was my first hurricane and it was interesting to experience something of this nature. I will admit that I prefer earthquakes as they are over quicker and I can simply roll over and go back to sleep. But it was nice to at least know something was coming...that was a plus right?

Preparation for the incoming storm started early Sunday morning. Windows were boarded up, shutters nailed closed and roofs tied down.  In case of flooding all items needed to be off the floor yet under something in case the roof came off.

This was us girls for most of the night....on our laptops. It's a very strange feeling having to think about what little items you can take with you, knowing that the rest of your stuff may very well get destroyed. 

Oh and my shirt reads, "Sister of a United States Marine".. take that Hurricane Richard! 

  

One of the local scouts who worked as a runner during the storm. They checked homes and ran information from shelter to shelter.  Several of them came and hung out in the church or office to listen to the storm's progress on the radio and chat. 

A general picture of the shelter through out the night. Be careful you don't step on someone as you go to the bathroom! :) 

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Now I just need a shirt that reads, "I survived Hurricane Richard." 

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep..

A major thank you is due to the kind generosity of Bro. Ricky Moore and Sis. Joyce Pierce.   These wonderful people meet a need that while may seem small, has made a world of difference in our younger class.

While we all wish that someone would put us down for a nap, most of us remember the fight of our childhood when someone said we HAD to lay down.  Thankfully our kids are now very willing to go to sleep due to the sleeping mats that were paid for, made and sent to us recently.  I've been told the kids now BEG to have nap time. :)

Getting boxes from the States is like Christmas time for us. 

One of our young students getting her new sleeping mat. 

The teacher was so happy that the kids just stayed on their mats. Normally they roll all over the floor. 

This kids literally got his mat, laid down and crashed out. :)~

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THANK YOU SIS. PIERCE

&

BRO. RICKY MOORE!

Family Camp

Ever been camping?  Well I haven't. Not a big fan of the whole outdoor thing. My idea of camping is Motel 6.  I mean come on, who wants to go on vacation and actually have to make your own bed? That's the whole point of room service isn't it?  But like all good people I've been growing. Hotel's without room service that come fully equipped with your personnel selection of local bugs are nothing to me now.

Located just outside of the nation's capital I was blessed to spend several days on a beautiful campground.  The main church hosts a family camp each year held during the month of September. This is a time for all the churches here in Belize to gather, have church and spend time together. Camp speakers this year were Rev. Mark Copeland and Rev. Cardwell from the States. These amazing men of God spoke to our hearts each night.  Once again I was honored to be a part of the work of God here in Belize as I watched men and women, young teens and children worship God openly and with passion.  Our services often were simply just a time to worship, dance and allowing the presence of God to be entertained.   26 people were filled with the Holy Spirit during our three day conference.  Dios es Bueno!

The sanctuary at Family Camp. While we do have a covering, it's still out doors which means it gets VERY hot and the bugs are always present. 

Thankfully very clean and nice rooms located on the grounds. Each room did come with an A/C, while it cost extra it was completely worth it.  It was also the first time I had a hot shower since I had been in Belize. :)

Dinner time at family camp. Try feeding about 200 people breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's a job trust me. 

My roommates organized a game of football (known as soccer in the States). 

God moving amongst the people of Belize. 

Rev. Cardwell preaching the evening service.

Our singing group Rev. Joiner has nicknamed The 5 Gringa's. 

Go Home Mickey, This Isn't Disneyland!

The visitors have returned.  Guess they didn't read my last post about how they weren't welcomed. This time they didn't even wait until we were home; just greeted us when we arrived late tonight.  I mean what do they think we are running here, a hotel?  I like animals and all but if they keep up these rude visits then I will just have to take drastic measures. Sorry PETA, but Micky has to die!

Going to be up late tonight in prayer.  I would pray the whole "I'll go to Africa" prayer but since I'm already on the mission field I think it's a moot point. Seriously, I'm feeling a burden for the Arctic region -polar bears need God too you know.